Seed Preservation Coordinator  

Green Iowa AmeriCorps opportunity hosted by Seed Savers Exchange – 2 positions available. 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION 

Founded in 1975, Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is on a mission to “steward America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.” The nonprofit organization employs over 50 employees to meet this mission  through preservation, field work, administration, education and seed sales. 

Stewardship is a core value at Seed Savers Exchange and AmeriCorps members will have the opportunity to support both environmental and seed stewardship activities during their service term. Core activities will include public garden support, germination testing, seed preservation  and grow outs, food waste reduction, community outreach, and support of conservation efforts on SSE’s 890-acre seed farm. 

SERVICE DATE 

Positions begin December 4, 2023 

HOURS/WEEK 

Average of 28-30 hours per week 

Typical schedule of 8:30 am–3:00 pm, Monday through Friday 

Occasional nights and weekends depending upon onsite event schedule. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE 

November 27, 2023 

LOCATION 

Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Road
Decorah, Iowa 52101 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The seed preservation coordinator will work closely with members of the Preservation Department to steward the biodiversity of our garden heritage through seeds. They will spend time working with the seed lab to support the health of the 20,000+ varieties in the seedbank through germination testing and inventory projects. Other duties within the Preservation Department will include education and outreach to garden partners, working on seed bank varieties in the field, assisting the evaluation team, hand pollinating corn, and orchard work. Duties outside of the Preservation Department will include helping at events, supporting the Herman’s Garden seed  donation program, providing onsite conservation work, and food waste reduction efforts. Duties  during the winter months will include weekly hours spent at Winneshiek County Conservation, supporting their community outreach efforts. 

LIVING ALLOWANCE & BENEFITS 

Green Iowa AmeriCorps members are expected to work 1,200 hours in an 11 month period and  will receive a living allowance in the amount of $1,636.36 per month from Green Iowa  AmeriCorps.  

At the end of a successful term of service, members will receive a Segal Education award of  $4,826.50. Student loan deferment is also available. 

For those currently receiving unemployment benefits, AmeriCorps is considered a training  opportunity and thus does not interfere with your ability to collect unemployment. 

Depending on other household resources, AmeriCorps members may also be eligible to receive  SNAP Benefits. 

REQUIREMENTS 

AmeriCorps members must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or legal permanent residents. They must also have a high school diploma, GED, or be in progress of completion. AmeriCorps also requires National Service Criminal History Checks. 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to  [email protected]. Please include ‘AmeriCorps Heritage Farm Experience Position’ in the  subject line of the email. Seed Savers Exchange is an equal opportunity employer. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Peggy Miller, j[email protected]